Tablature is a type of notation for guitar and other stringed instruments. Tab is read left to right, just like standard notation. Tabs show the note order, and where the notes are played.
Tabs show the specific strings and frets used to play a part, so that you can use the same positions and fingerings that the original artist used.
Most of the tabs in this series don't show how to play rhythms. (A few have rhythm markings.) Once you know the note order and the fingerings, you can sound out the rhythms from the recording.
Tab uses 6 lines to represent the 6 strings of the guitar. Tab is based on standard notation with the low string at the bottom and the high string at the top. This makes tab appear to be 'upside down' if you compare it to a photo of a guitar, or to how you hold the guitar when you play it.
The string with the highest pitch is called the 'first' string. The string with the lowest pitch is called 'sixth' string.
Numbers written on the strings tell you which frets to play, on what string and in what order.
'O' means 'Open String.' '1' means to fret a note at the 1st fret, '2' means fret at the 2nd fret, and so on.
Every number means to play a note. 'Play' usually means a pick-stroke, but it can also mean a hammer, pull, or slide. Click here to see an explanation of Guitar Techniques.
The easiest way to learn this notation is by seeing examples. Get our How To Read Tablature Download free anytime.
Other Tab Symbols These are symbols used commonly in conventional tablature found in books, magazines and on the internet. The large tablature from GregsGuitar.Com uses words written in red to show bends, slides, etc.
Tab Symbol Explanation b bend up '5 b 7' or '5 b (7)' means that you pick the string at the 5th fret and bend up to the pitch of that string at the 7th fret. The '7' is not picked. h hammer-on '5 h 7' means to pick the string at the 5th fret, then hammer-on at the 7th fret. The note at the 7th fret is not picked. p pull-off '7 p 5' means to pick the string at the 7th fret, then pull-off to the 5th fret. The note at the 5th fret is not picked. r reverse bend (down) '7 r 5' or '(7) r 5' means that you bent the string at the 5th fret up to the pitch 7th fret, then pick the string, then release the bend. / slide up (on one string) '5 / 7' means that you pick the string at the 5th fret and slide that finger up to the 7th fret. The note at the 7th fret is not picked. \ slide down (on one string) '7 \ 5' means that you pick the string at the 7th fret and slide that finger down to the 5th fret. The note at the 5th fret is not picked. s slide (on one string) sometimes used in place of '/' or '\' p.m. palm mute picking notes while muting the strings at the bridge with the palm of the right hand. x rhythm click a muted note or chord used as a rhythmic accent or an implied note. v vibrato vibrato a sustaining note.
